Sunderbans Sanctuary: Home of the Royal Bengal Tiger
The Sunderbans Sanctuary, home to the Royal Bengal tiger, is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site that is located in the delta formed by two of the sub-continent’s mightiest rivers, Ganga and Brahmaputra. The Sunderbans Delta is the world’s largest delta and is home to some of the most exotic flora and fauna in the world. Known for its unique mangrove forest ecosystem, this huge biosphere spreads across an area of 2,585 sq kms, with elevations ranging from 0 to 10 m above sea level. The Sunderbans Sanctuary is roughly 260 kms wide at its confluence with the Bay of Bengal. This wildlife sanctuary starts from the Hooghly River Estuary (India) and extends to the Meghna River Estuary in Bangladesh. The northern parts of the biosphere are more wooded and forested, while the southern ones are full of mangrove swamps. Most of the sanctuary is devoid of human habitation and settlement.
The word ‘Sunderban’ is derived from the terms sundari (large mangrove trees) and ban (forest). Thus, the word ‘Suderban’ is literally translated as the ‘the forest of large mangrove trees’. The Sunderbans Sanctuary is very heterogeneous and contains many different types of forests such as littoral forests, wet forests, mangrove scrubs, brackish water mixed forests, salt water mixed forests, wet alluvial grass forests, etc. The Sunderbans Sanctuary is home to many rare and exotic animals such as tigers, chitals, Gangetic dolphins, little porpoises, fishing cats, Indian foxes, jungle cats, small Indian civets, common grey mongooses, spotted deer, wild pigs, Indian flying foxes, rhesus monkeys, pangolins, crocodiles sea snakes, dog-faced water snakes, Ridley turtles, green turtles, hawks bill turtles, rat snakes, king cobras and pythons, and birds such as spotted billed pelicans, cotton teals, herring gulls, Caspian terns, grey herons, large egrets, night herons, open-billed storks, white ibises, common kingfishers, Brahmini kites and paradise flycatchers.
Places to Visit in Sunderbans
The Sunderbans Sanctuary is strategically located in West Bengal. This sanctuary is located close to many tourist attractions of East India including the regions’ other wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife reserves and wildlife parks. Further, the park also extends into Bangladesh, perhaps, one of the most colourful and vivid countries in South Asia. Note that Indian citizens are allowed visa-free entry into Bangladesh upon displaying an identification proof.
Sunderbans- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
- Languages: Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Sunderbans Sanctuary, and as such communication should not be a problem. English too is somewhat prevalent.
- Perhaps the best way to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the Sunderbans Sanctuary is via touring the entire network of waterways on boats and launches. One can find all types of launches and boats, from the most basic to most well-equipped.
Best time to visit Sunderbans
Note that the region where the Sunderbans Sanctuary is located receives very heavy rainfall and is shut during the monsoons. The best time to visit the park is between the months of November and April. The period between January and April, however, is more advisable. Many tour operators in India offer package wildlife tours and wildlife safaris for the Sunderbans.
Best way to reach Sunderbans
- By Air: Kolkata, located 166 kms away, is the airport nearest to this wildlife sanctuary. Kolkata is one of India’s most prominent international airports, and as such flight connectivity is very good.
- By Rail: Canning, located 48 kms away, is the nearest railway station.
- By Road: The Sunderbans Sanctuary is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are aplenty from all towns/cities in the region.
Accommodation
In the region surrounding this wildlife park, hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The region surrounding the Sunderbans Sanctuary abounds in family holiday bungalows and wildlife resorts